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The Spartan Tattoo Meaning and 125 Legendary Tattoo Ideas

by Sherri Owens

The Spartan tattoo meaning includes bravery, fierceness, loyalty, and physical prowess.

I studied art history and was always fascinated by the story of the 300 Spartan soldiers who took on a large enemy army. There is so much significance to this legend that whenever I designed a Spartan tattoo, I made sure that the people asking for the artwork knew the symbolism behind each design.

Read on to find out more about this symbolism and check out some of the top Spartan tattoos and their meanings.

What Does the Spartan Logo Mean?

The Spartan logo is essentially the Spartan helmet that soldiers used to wear. So, what does it mean?

Well, Spartans and the logo are associated with the best warriors and army of that era.

However, to gain a better understanding of the Spartan helmet logo, the Spartan tattoo, and the Spartan helmet tattoo, you must first understand the history of the Spartans.

The Spartan Training Society

There are a few different reasons why the Spartans are known as some of the finest warriors - they came from a brutal society.

Spartan Soldier

Image by @shutterartland via Instagram

Spartan babies were evaluated shortly after they were born. Those that were seen as healthy and tough were kept while those presumed to be weak or frail were cast out to, left to the elements.

Spartans also began training at a young age. It was said that Spartan males as young as seven were taken away from their Spartan mothers and sent to train to become Spartan warriors.

While Spartan women didn't go to war, they still enjoyed a lot more freedom than women from other societies at that time.

The Spartan training regimen was incredibly brutal - they were fed a meager diet, given little clothing regardless of the weather, and engaged in brutal and sometimes fatal battles.

This all led to the creation of essentially a super soldier. The Spartan boys who were a shade above the rest went on to be a Spartan leaders.

The Enduring Bond of the Spartans

Spartan warriors aren't just known for their strength, physical prowess, and battle skills, though. They are also known for Spartan traits such as loyalty and teamwork.

The Spartan warriors grew up together, trained together, and essentially spent most of their time with each other. As a result, they were incredibly close and relied on one another in battle.

So, this is another trait that the logo and the Spartan tattoo design allude to.

The Epic Story of the 300 Spartans

One of the best-known things about Spartan armies is their bravery. As the legend goes, King Leonidas led 300 Spartan warriors into battle against the entire Persian army which was made up of thousands of soldiers. Despite being outnumbered, the brave Spartans held their ground.

Although the Spartan army was decimated, they never fled; instead, they fought to the death. This is why they have gone down as some of the most formidable Greek warriors in history.

In this sense, the Spartan logo, Spartan tattoo, or Spartan helmet tattoo can indicate bravery in the face of danger. It could also relate to making the ultimate sacrifice.

Therefore, the Spartan tattoo represents honor - the Spartan tattoo also makes for a pretty badass tattoo.

Spartan Tattoos and Their Meanings

Here are the various Spartan tattoo designs and the meaning attached to them:

Spartan Helmet Tattoos

The Spartan helmet tattoo is one of the easiest tattoos of this type. Even though you're just getting the helmet inked, the distinct design of this Spartan tattoo makes it distinct.

The other perk of getting a Spartan helmet tattoo is that it can be a small and minimalistic design. So, if you want to get a small Spartan helmet tattoo, you can. In fact, if you want to get a small helmet outline as your Spartan tattoo, do this as well - the options are endless.

One thing to be aware of about this kind of Spartan tattoo is that there are different types of helmet styles. Spartan tattoos can also be drawn in various shades.

Due to this, it's a good idea to do some research before you get your Spartan tattoo. This will help you decide if you want to go with a more authentic, historical look for your Spartan tattoo or if you prefer a Spartan tattoo with a more artistic twist.

For instance, you can get a Spartan tattoo where the helmet is battered and battle-proven. Such a Spartan tattoo can have a greater meaning as well - it could be a sign of how weathered your own battle was but how you came out on top.

If you prefer, you can even get a Spartan tattoo of the helmets used in the 300 movie.

Black and Grey Spartan Helmet Calf Muscle Tattoo

Image by @hawktattooofficial via Instagram

Grey Spartan Helmet Thigh Tattoo

Image by @dustinsockstattoos via Instagram

3D Spartan Helmet Leg Tattoo

Image by @tatt.oosbytatum via Instagram

Arrow and Spartan Helmet Calf Muscle Tattoo

Image by @tattoobrothers via Instagram

Arrow and Spartan Helmet with Plume Arm Tattoo

Image by @sharonkissel via Instagram

Stars and Spartan Helmet Tattoo

Image by @tattoosbymartin21 via Instagram

Greek Letters and Spartan Helmet with Plume Arm Tattoo

Image by @hellcountyinkga via Instagram

Black Arrow and Spartan Helmet with Plume Tattoo

Image by @afonsotattoo via Instagram

Black Spartan Helmet Biceps Tattoo

Image by @alexandrejorge1 via Instagram

Greek Letters with Spear and Half Spartan Helmet Tattoo

Image by @the_lambo_scoundrel via Instagram

Latin Saying and Spartan Helmet Leg Tattoo

Image by @g7th.tattoo via Instagram

Red Plume on Spartan Helmet Chest Tattoo

Image by @the_nick_wesnofske via Instagram

Laurel Wreath and Spartan Helmet Leg Tattoo

Image by @ariane_tattoo via Instagram

Black and Grey Spartan Helmet Calf Muscle Tattoo

Image by @inkz_tattoo_rina via Instagram

Black and Grey Greek Letters and Spartan Helmet Arm Tattoo

Image by @dhiman_tattooz via Instagram

Spartan Helmet with Red Plume Thigh Tattoo

Image by @jacquelinecms via Instagram

Red Plume on Spartan Helmet Forearm Tattoo

Image by @noemesystattoo via Instagram

Shaded Spartan Helmet Thigh Tattoo

Image by @micro_von_frankenstein via Instagram

Spartan Helmet with Red Plume Forearm Tattoo

Image by @harsh__ink via Instagram

Spartan Helmet with Greek Flag Biceps Tattoo

Image by @skin_cover_tattoo via Instagram

Orange Spartan Helmet with Red Plume Tattoo

Image by @caileymarietattoo via Instagram

Grey Spartan Helmet with Plume Tattoo

Image by @stefanosink via Instagram

Realistic Spartan Helmet Tattoo

Image by @animaneratattoo via Instagram

Grey Shaded Spartan Helmet Arm Tattoo

Image by @inkbugs via Instagram

Small Grey Spartan Helmet Forearm Tattoo

Image by @blackrosetattoonovalja via Instagram

Black and Grey Spartan Helmet Shoulder Tattoo

Image by @delta_ink_tattoo via Instagram

3D Grey Spartan Helmet Chest Tattoo

Image by @enigmcd via Instagram

Minimalistic Black Spartan Helmet Leg Tattoo

Image by @artattoo.rethymno via Instagram

Greek Saying and Spartan Helmet Forearm Tattoo

Image by @tattdaddy1994 via Instagram

Sketchy Small Spartan Helmet Ribs Tattoo

Image by @guy_levi_tattoo via Instagram

Black and Red Spartan Helmet Ribs Tattoo

Image by @egee.ink via Instagram

Mini Spartan Helmet Thumb Tattoo

Image by @paolo_mainardi via Instagram

Grey Sward and Spartan Helmet Tattoo

Image by @lovebloodinktattoosandjimmy72.art via Instagram

Grey Spartan Helmet with Red Plume Arm Tattoo

Image by @relampago.tattoo via Instagram

Arrow and Spartan Helmet Forearm Tattoo

Image by @hotrodtattooing via Instagram

Green Spartan Helmet with Plume Arm Tattoo

Image by @bigphiltattoos via Instagram

Sword thru Spartan Helmet Forearm Tattoo

Image by @controlledabrasions via Instagram

Grey Hands Holding Spartan Helmet Shoulder Tattoo

Image by @angeloctopus via Instagram

Greek Ornament and Spartan Helmet Forearm Tattoo

Image by @meet.tattoo.artist via Instagram

Black and Grey Spartan Helmet Tattoo

Image by @mirkotattooartist via Instagram

Spartan Shield Tattoos

If you're looking for a smaller design for your Spartan tattoo, a Spartan shield tattoo can be a good way to go.

One of the great things about a Spartan tattoo such as this is that the shield alone holds a lot of meaning. After all, a Spartan warrior couldn't be expected to properly defend himself without a shield. Therefore, it is a major tool in his arsenal.

The shield tattoo is also a cool Spartan tattoo idea because in some cases, you can only determine the ferocity of the battle based on the damage done to the shield.

So, if you are someone who likes to hide their scars and bruises, a battered shield may be the only broken part of you that you are willing to let the world see. This can be quite the symbolic Spartan tattoo.

A Spartan shield as a Spartan tattoo could have another personal meaning. This Spartan tattoo could be a symbol or tribute to how you choose to protect yourself and weather a storm.

Another reason that this type of Spartan tattoo has a great deal of meaning is because the shield is all that's left of a warrior. This Spartan tattoo could be a symbol of someone you have loved and lost - however, there will always be memories and signs of them still being around.

With this Spartan tattoo, you can choose to have the proper Spartan symbol designs on the shield if you like. This could make for a more authentic Spartan tattoo design.

At the same time, if you don't want to include as much detail in your Spartan tattoo, you don't have to. You can still have a Spartan tattoo that looks as close to the authentic design as possible, even with fewer details.

Black Spartan Shield with Saying Arm Tattoo

Image by @belo_tattoostudio via Instagram

Skull and Colored Spartan Shield Shoulder Tattoo

Image by @lovebloodinktattoos via Instagram

Black and Grey Spartan Shield Shoulder Tattoo

Image by @kennymtattoos via Instagram

Spartan Shield with Ornament Chest Tattoo

Image by @inksomniatattoocyprus via Instagram

Greek Letters and Spartan Shield Shoulder Tattoo

Image by @hunterbiffletattoos via Instagram

Small Spartan Shield Foot Tattoo

Image by @karmmatattoo via Instagram

Realistic Spartan Helmet and Shield Shoulder Tattoo

Image by @tattoo.brooklyn via Instagram

Grey and White Spartan Shield Shoulder Tattoo

Image by @tattoosbyjag via Instagram

Small Spartan Shield Forearm Tattoo

Image by @ryan.inky via Instagram

Spartan Shield with Helmet and Swards Leg Tattoo

Image by @martintattookm via Instagram

Grey Spartan Shield with Sword Forearm Tattoo

Image by @hdc1tattoos_an_designs via Instagram

Spartan Warrior Tattoos

Then, there is the Spartan warrior tattoo - this is where you have one or more Spartan soldiers featured prominently.

This kind of Spartan tattoo is often a representation of yourself. A Spartan warrior tattoo design can be about you showcasing the traits that you have in common with the Spartan soldier of old.

One of the great things about the Spartan warrior tattoo is just how many Spartan tattoo designs there are to choose from.

This allows you to get as creative as you want with your Spartan tattoo. You can also employ different tattoo styles to create the effect you like.

Here are some of the Spartan tattoo designs you can draw inspiration from:

Colored Spartan Warrior Arm Sleeve Tattoo

Image by @ghosttat2 via Instagram

Realistic Spartan Warrior Forearm Sleeve Tattoo

Image by @arnaud_pradier_tattooist via Instagram

Realistic Grey Spartan Warrior Sleeve Tattoo

Image by @kodytattoo via Instagram

Grey Shaded Spartan Warrior Arm Tattoo

Image by @aaronpullentattoo via Instagram

Realistic Grey Spartan Warrior Arm Tattoo

Image by @janboedeckertattoo via Instagram

Black Spartan Warrior Leg Tattoo

Image by @minj.tattoos08 via Instagram

Spartan Warrior with Shield and Spear Arm Tattoo

Image by @seventattoovegas via Instagram

Colored Spartan Warrior with Helmet Biceps Tattoo

Image by @blodreinatattoo46 via Instagram

Grey Spartan Warrior Arm Sleeve Tattoo

Image by @nolanhatton via Instagram

Realistic Spartan Warrior Leg Sleeve Tattoo

Image by @belengomez.tattoo via Instagram

Greek Ornament Background Spartan Warrior Leg Tattoo

Image by @di.tattoos_ via Instagram

Colored Spartan Warrior with Red Plume Tattoo

Image by @bijoy_mbg via Instagram

Grey Shaded Spartan Warrior with Arrow Tattoo

Image by @alphaomegatattoostudio via Instagram

Flowers and Spartan Warrior Leg Tattoo

Image by @bonnieseeley via Instagram

Spartan Warrior Head with Helmet Forearm Tattoo

Image by @strigwir.tattoo via Instagram

Full Figure of Spartan Warrior Calf Muscle Tattoo

Image by @josemazatattoo via Instagram

Spartan Warrior with Spear Arm Tattoo

Image by @lordtattoo via Instagram

Spartan Warrior with Shield Chest Tattoo

Image by @davinci_tattoo via Instagram

Arrows and Spartan Warrior with Shield Forearm Tattoo

Image by @razo_tattoo via Instagram

Spartan Warrior Head Biceps Tattoo

Image by @taisia_rak via Instagram

Spartan Warrior holding Spear Forearm Tattoo

Image by @aung_thu_tun via Instagram

Armor on Spartan Warrior Arm Tattoo

Image by @ramcelroytattooing via Instagram

Black and Grey Spartan Warrior Shoulder Tattoo

Image by @nilsonttt via Instagram

Spartan Warrior with Sward and Shield Thigh Tattoo

Image by @al_pomeroy via Instagram

Parthenon Background Spartan Warrior Arm Tattoo

Image by @andy.q.tattoo via Instagram

Spartan Warrior with Armor and Shield Tattoo

Image by @inked_bossbabe via Instagram

Birds and Spartan Warrior with Spear and Shield Tattoo

Image by @clean_slate_tattoo via Instagram

Shield with Spear and Spartan Warrior Forearm Tattoo

Image by @yigiitonur via Instagram

Parthenon and Spartan Warrior Forearm Tattoo

Image by @timeless.art via Instagram

Colored Spartan Warrior Arm Sleeve Tattoo

Image by @sergiowaldmanntattoo via Instagram

Eyes Wide Open Spartan Warrior Tattoo

Image by @bosske_tattoo via Instagram

Black and Red Spartan Warrior in Battle Arm Tattoo

Image by @romiding via Instagram

Spartan Warrior with Shield Forearm Tattoo

Image by @bryan_fn_vega via Instagram

Spartan Warrior with Helmet Calf Muscle Tattoo

Image by @fahri.akarca via Instagram

Armed Spartan Warrior Arm Tattoo

Image by @snooze_tattoo via Instagram

Grey Spartan Warrior with Red Plume Arm Tattoo

Image by @ink_raven via Instagram

Spartan Warrior with Sword Thigh Tattoo

Image by @tattoos_by_icon via Instagram

Armed Spartan Warrior with Helmet Arm Tattoo

Image by @aliersariart via Instagram

Spartan Warrior Head with Helmet Chest Tattoo

Image by @mhtattooz via Instagram

Spartan Warrior with Sward and Shield Arm Tattoo

Image by @tattoosbymarkymark via Instagram

This is such a cool Spartan tattoo of a grizzled warrior - complete with dented armor. It looks like a warrior fresh from battle.

Colorful Spartan Warrior in Battle Arm Tattoo

Image by @franky_sanchz via Instagram

Spartan Battle Scenes Tattoos

Looking for epic Spartan tattoo ideas? You may want to consider getting a Spartan tattoo depicting a battle scene.

Due to the popularity of the legend and the movie 300, most people choose to get the battle of Thermopylae as their Spartan tattoo.

You may think you need to get the entire Spartan army tattooed to make this Spartan tattoo work but this isn't the case at all.

Your Spartan tattoo might contain just one or two soldiers, be it a scene after the battle has ended, or anything else you like. You can choose to include various Spartan symbols in your Spartan tattoo as well.

With Spartan tattoo ideas like these, it is easy to get creative and have fun. As a result, you can ensure that your Spartan tattoo is one of a kind!

You can choose to have a small or big Spartan tattoo, depending on what works for you.

Here are the Spartan tattoos you can check out:

Spartan Face and Spartan in Battle Arm Tattoo

Image by @sachi_perera__ via Instagram

Spartan Warrior and Battle Scene Tattoo

Image by @extreme_ink_tattoo_serres via Instagram

Cogs and Spartan with Helmet Arm Tattoo

Image by @matias.guarro via Instagram

Colosseum Background Spartan Warrior Arm Tattoo

Image by @mariuscalinaink via Instagram

Spartan Warrior with Battle Scene on Shield Arm Tattoo

Image by @louie_o21 via Instagram

Spartans with Spears and Shields in Battle Arm Tattoo

Image by @jonatan.tattoos via Instagram

Spartan Army in Battle Forearm Tattoo

Image by @haiducpatrich via Instagram

Big Spartan Warrior with Spear and Shield Leg Tattoo

Image by @lovetattoossandhurst via Instagram

Spartan Warrior with Spartan Army Forearm Tattoo

Image by @turn3r via Instagram

Spartan Warrior Killing Enemy with Spear Arm Tattoo

Image by @napatattoooficial via Instagram

Fighting Spartan with Shield and Spear Tattoo

Image by @circletattooindia via Instagram

Spartan Warrior and Spartans in Battle Leg Tattoo

Image by @undergroundtattoos_stevenage via Instagram

Bloody Eyes on Spartan in Battle Arm Tattoo

Image by @xixo.tattoo via Instagram

Spartan Warrior Commanding Army of Spartans Arm Tattoo

Image by @jorgelcarrilloart via Instagram

Spartan Warrior and Spartan Army Forearm Tattoo

Image by @abhiinkzone_tattoos via Instagram

Birds and Spartan Warriors Leg Tattoo

Image by @lordoftheskinstattoo via Instagram

Lion Head and Fighting Spartan with Spear Shoulder Tattoo

Image by @drakemyerstattoos via Instagram

Spears Background and Spartan Warrior Arm Tattoo

Image by @billy_raike_tattoos via Instagram

Spartan Warrior and Army of Spartans Arm Tattoo

Image by @chrislighthouse13 via Instagram

Colosseum and Spartan Warrior with Army Forearm Tattoo

Image by @tattooerjohnbates via Instagram

Spartan Warrior with Shield Arm Tattoo

Image by @jimbo__tattoo via Instagram

Spartan Warrior Leading Army of Spartans Chest Tattoo

Image by @jessrocharht via Instagram

Spartan Warrior with Shield and Spear Arm Tattoo

Image by @skindeeptattoogallery_pgh via Instagram

Army of Spartans with Spears in Battle Arm Tattoo

Image by @jhonnyramostattoo via Instagram

Spartan Warriors Fighting in Battle Forearm Tattoo

Image by @eriklunatattoos via Instagram

Blood on Blue Eyed Spartan Warrior Forearm Tattoo

Image by @tattoosfromedy via Instagram

Spartan Commander with Army of Spartans Tattoo

Image by @redmoontattoostudio via Instagram

Greek Ornament Background Spartan Battle Scene Arm Tattoo

Image by @lenny.tattoo via Instagram

Dark Grey Spartan Battle Scene Arm Tattoo

Image by @walhalla.tattoos via Instagram

Colorful Spartan Warriors Fighting in Battle Arm Tattoo

Image by @ideiasparatatuagens1 via Instagram

Spartan Warrior and Spartans in Battle Arm Tattoo

Image by @inkdealr_215 via Instagram

Spartan Commander and Army Going to Battle Arm Tattoo

Image by @kings_hand_tattoo via Instagram

Spartan Warriors in Battle Thigh Tattoo

Image by @maydatattoo via Instagram

What Does a Warrior Tattoo Symbolize?

A warrior tattoo has a similar meaning to that of a Spartan tattoo design. A warrior tattoo represents bravery, courage, hard work, and a willingness to keep fighting against all odds.

Unlike the warrior Spartan tattoo, though, the warrior tattoo hints at something more solitary. Therefore, you wouldn't necessarily need to allude to teamwork and loyalty with a warrior tattoo as you would with Spartan tattoos.

What Does a Gladiator Tattoo Mean?

The gladiator tattoo is different from most warrior tattoos, including the Spartan tattoo design. This is because the life of a gladiator is a much greater struggle.

Gladiators were often slaves that were forced to fight to the death if they wanted to win their freedom. So, this tattoo could be a sign of fighting something much greater than you, and that has control over your life.

It could also be a symbol of the struggle you have to overcome before you attain your goal.

What Does Wolf Tattoo Symbolize?

The wolf tattoo is used to depict warriors in some cases. This animal is known for being an apex predator and is known to take down much larger animals.

More often than not, though, wolf tattoos are used to depict a leader and being part of a pack.

There you have it - not only do you know the meaning of each Spartan tattoo design, but also the cool Spartan tattoos accompanying them. If this is a piece of ink you have been considering for some time, you now know all the options available.

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